TY  - JOUR
T1  - The static stiffness index: a simple method to assess the elastic property of compression material in vivo
LA  - English
AU  - Partsch, Hugo
AB  - BACKGROUND
The efficacy of compression therapy depends mainly on the exerted pressure and on the stiffness of the material.

OBJECTIVE
To propose a simple method by which pressure and stiffness can be assessed in the individual patient.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Using a pressure transducer (Kikuhime small probe, MediTrade, Soro, Denmark) the sub-bandage pressure is measured on the medial aspect of the lower leg at the transition of the gastrocnemius muscle into the Achilles' tendon. The pressure difference between active standing and lying is defined as the static stiffness index (SSI).

RESULTS
The accuracy and precision of the probe are good. Unna boot bandages (Lohmann-Rauscher, Vienna, Austria) and multilayer short-stretch bandages show a significantly higher SSI than long-stretch bandages and round-knitted class II stockings. The SSI values are lower than 10 mm Hg for elastic, long-stretch material and higher than 10 mm Hg for inelastic, short-stretch material.

CONCLUSION
In future compression trials, pressure and stiffness measured in vivo should be declared.
IS  - 6
PY  - 2005
SN  - 1076-0512
SP  - 625
EP  - 630
PM  - 15996410
JF  - Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
KW  - Unna boot
ER  -